Jailed: Burglar who left DNA on cans of super-strength Polish lager at crime scenes

A burglar who amassed £80,000 of stolen goods was collared after leaving DNA on unusual high-strength lager cans at crime scenes.

Michael Gut, 30, was this week jailed for two years after admitting four burglaries and two attempted raids in 2013 and 2014.

When police tracked him down in Plaistow earlier this year, they found stolen games consoles, video cameras, jewellery and even expensive pens.

The four burglaries happened in south and west London, while two failed theft attempts happened in Manor Park and Hammersmith. Police called Gut an opportunist, adding all the houses he stole from had been empty.

Gut was foiled when crime scene detectives found Polish Okocim Mocne high-strength lager cans in two of the victims' gardens.

Police scientists tested them for DNA - and found Gut had been drinking from both of them.

Investigators tracked him down to east London and raided his house, uncovering many of the items others had reported stolen.

Gut, now of Third Avenue, Shepherds Bush, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, having pleaded guilty in May.

The Met's Det Const Robert Rodak said: "Fortunately for the victims in this matter we have been able to reunite them with a majority of the stolen property, some of which holds significant sentimental value. One cufflink collection alone that Gut stole is worth approximately £1,200.

"Gut's conviction and jail term will serve as a stark reminder to other opportunist burglars that we will use every resource to bring them to justice. Furthermore we will make every effort to recover and restore stolen goods to their rightful owners."